Southend: Resurfacing works see Alexandra Street car park closed

Craig Smith, owner of Grateful Heads, says Monday was arguably the “biggest day” for business - but that customers were forced to drive around town looking for spaces after the Alexandra Street car park was shut.

Customers were left late for their appointments after works to resurface the car park also began on Monday, having initially been scheduled to take place in January.

Bosses say the resurfacing was forced to be delayed due to plans to install electric vehicle charging points, allowing for infrastructure to be put in place.

Mr Smith, said: “It is very infuriating customers couldn’t get parked on the biggest day for shops which have suffered massively through the pandemic. Pretty much every customer who came in to the shop on Tuesday said how ridiculous it was.

“They’ve had four months to re-surface the car park, so why not do it when the shops were shut. It’s just ludicrous.”

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Chris Taylor, owner of Taylors Hairdressing, thinks works should have been further delayed until the buzz of re-opening had “cooled down.”

He said: “It is frustrating when there’s been months over lockdown to resurface the car park and they choose to do it on re-opening week.

“You’ve got the Clarence one over the road, but without this you’re taking 50 per cent of parking away from this end of the high street.

“Delaying it by a couple of weeks or even a month could’ve helped people get back on their feet. It was a no brainer that things would be busy this week.”

Steve Moore, executive director for neighbourhoods and environment, said: “Alexandra Street car park is part of our planned programme for resurfacing and was scheduled to take place in January.

"However, as we had plans to install electric vehicle charging points in this location, the resurfacing was delayed to allow the electric vehicle infrastructure to be installed.

“The resurfacing is scheduled for completion on Friday April 16, and by installing the ducting, new electric vehicle charging points will also be in operation.

"The installation of ducting across the whole car park means we can also add further charging points as and when demand increases.

“The resurfaced car park will serve the town for years to come, and I would highlight the fact there are various other car parks within minutes of this location, including Tylers Avenue, Warrior Square and the University Square car park, all of which remain open for use.”